determine

To find out something by checking, studying, or calculating it.

• The test determines your blood type.
• Scientists determined the age of the rocks.
• Can we determine how the fire started?

How to use it: determine whether… (Tests will determine whether the water is safe.); determine what/how/why… (We need to determine why the engine stopped.)

Similar words: find out, establish, ascertain

Common phrases: determine the cause, determine whether, determine how

To control or strongly affect what happens or how something develops.

• Demand determines the price.
• Your choices will determine your future.
• Several factors determined the outcome of the match.

How to use it: determine whether… (The weather will determine whether we travel tomorrow.)

Similar words: decide, control, shape

Common phrases: determine the outcome, determine something, determine whether

To settle a question or disagreement by making an official decision.

• The court will determine the dispute.
• A judge determined their rights under the agreement.
• The tribunal has yet to determine the case.

Similar words: decide, settle, rule on

Common phrases: determine a dispute, determine the issue, determine a case

To make someone decide firmly to do something.

• The news determined her to leave.
• His failure determined him to try again.
• That warning determined them to change their plans.

How to use it: determine someone to do something (The threat determined him to seek help.)

Similar words: resolve, prompt

Common phrases: determine someone to act, determine someone to leave